Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Tuesday directed the officials to remain alert to face a possible summer cyclone.
Patnaik gave the direction after IMD predicted that a cyclonic circulation is likely to develop over the southeast Bay of Bengal around May 6.
The weather agency said a low-pressure area is likely to form over the same region under the influence of the cyclonic circulation over the subsequent 48 hours.
Reviewing the situation in view of the possibility of the formation of a low pressure in South Bay of Bengal, the Chief Minister asked the officials to remain alert.
Reminding about the Cyclonic storm Fani, Patnaik asked the officials to make all preparations in advance to counter the possible summer cyclone.
The Chief Minister said the assessment of the cyclone which comes in summer is very difficult. In 2019, the Fani cyclonic storm that hit the state caused widespread damage in Odisha.
He advised all departments of the state government, NDRF, ODRAF and Fire Service to remain alert in advance and to shift people residing near the coast and in low-lying areas to cyclone shelters for their safety.
The Chief Minister also advised officials to stock required medicines and equipment and to chalk out plans in advance for the rescue, rehabilitation and relief operation.
The state Chief Secretary was asked to review the situation regularly and the SRC was directed to keep a strict vigil on the situation and to work in coordination with all departments concerned.
Chief Secretary P K Jena said that the summer cyclone generally has the maximum impact. The government has followed its zero casualty policy for the last few years and achieved success.
He said regular review is going on and all departments along with all district Collectors have been directed to remain alert. Around 1,000 cyclone shelters are kept ready. In addition to it, schools and other safe shelters have also been identified.
SRC Satyabrata Sahu said it is just a preparatory meeting. He asked the people not to be panicked as the IMD has not yet confirmed about the cyclone. It is only a prediction by the weather agency.
UNI
